One of the first lessons elected officials receive is the maintenance of playgrounds and the effect they have on visitors. Visitors coming to Quitman seeking a home or to open a business could be turned off settling here if they witness a lack of care for recreational parks. Harris Park, the pride of the Woman’s Club of Quitman, was re-dedicated on Thursday the 3rd of June. It is now the epitome of what anyone would want to represent our city. I received a 50-50 percent matching grant from the state, and Supervisor Mickey Long and the Woman’s Club members provided the 50% matching investment. Our city workers added labor where needed to complete the project.
Anyone riding by Sumrall Park will be impressed with the work taking place there under the direction of Supervisor Darrick Marshall. He is also investing in the park on Thompson Ave. Sumrall Park is highly visible to visitors, and I am incredibly pleased that Darrick is investing his discretionary funds and labor to make this park what it is today.
The Board of Aldermen approved my request to hire Natalie Cartullo to fill the new position of Main Street Director. She and her husband Joe have already added value to our city and represent the up-and-coming young entrepreneurs of Quitman. The Board of Aldermen and I recognize a need to support our businesses, helping them every where possible. Natalie is now setting up a Board of Directors that will oversee the work planned. The goal being to help businesses grow with sustainable profits and products and services that our citizens want. An office for Natalie is being set up in the new building next to city hall. More will be coming from this talented person, and I was delighted to welcome her as our first Main Street Director.
Work on the Economic Development & Business Incubator, or the building next to city hall continues. We expect to be able to use funds from the Corona Virus funds allocated to municipalities and counties to complete the work. The building will be used for a myriad of things such as programs for seniors, business start-ups, and the arts. Quitman is fortunate to have Artists in a variety of subject matters that can utilize the building to train others in their craft.
This week we will elect a new Board member from the 4th Ward, with all the other positions not having an opponent. My concern going into this year was finding one or more people to run for Mayor. I have worked with Steve Watkins who is running unopposed for the mayor’s office. I am thrilled with his understanding of the things that make a city a better place to live. He will be a wonderful Mayor, and I plan to do anything possible to support his direction. Quitman is an unusual city with boundless opportunities that make us a destination for businesses and light industry. Steve has life experiences in the military and was the Chief Pilot for Delta Airlines. His resume is one of high academic achievement, family businesses, and support of public education. Steve will be first, a good listener, and secondly an independent decision maker putting the needs of our city first. Welcome, Steve, to municipal politics, even though it is not your favorite subject.
